Melioidosis
Melioidosis is a rare tropical disease caused by bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei. The bacteria are commonly found in soil and water in South-East Asia and northern Australia. Sometimes there have been infections in south Queensland.
Signs and symptoms
Melioidosis is rare in healthy adults and children. Most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick.
People with long-term health problems such as diabetes, cancer, lung and kidney disease, and people who drink alcohol heavily are most at risk of getting sick.
First Nations peoples are also at higher risk.
People who become unwell often get a lung infection ('pneumonia'). If not treated quickly, the infection can spread to other areas of the body causing severe illness including sepsis (‘blood poisoning’) and sometimes death.
Melioidosis can also cause skin sores.
Treatment
Melioidosis is treated with strong antibiotics for at least three months. People who are very sick will usually need to go to hospital and might need treatment in intensive care.
Transmission
The bacteria are found in deep soil, rising up to muddy surface waters in the wet season. Most cases of melioidosis occur during the wet season after heavy rain or flooding.
The bacteria can enter the body from the soil through skin cuts and sores, breathing it in, or drinking dirty water.
The bacteria do not usually spread from people or animals.
After exposure, people can get sick a few days to many years later.
Prevention
There is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis, but people can take steps to protect themselves. In North Queensland, especially during the wet season, people who are at risk should:
- avoid gardening in wet weather
- wear gloves and waterproof boots when working somewhere muddy
- cover cuts and sores with waterproof dressings
- shower after working somewhere muddy
- wear a mask when using a high-pressure hose around soil or spraying high-pressure bore water
- people with diabetes should be careful about their foot care
- people participating in mud play or activities that include exposure to deeper layers of mud should be aware of the possible increased risk of melioidosis.
Help and assistance
For further information, call your doctor, health centre or nearest public health unit. You can also call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.